Press Release

1 October 2025

Council adopts new Later Living Strategy

Fareham Borough Council has announced that it has adopted a new Later Living Strategy.

Following public engagement, the new Later Living Strategy reflects current guidance and sets out the Council’s future aims in providing high-quality, older persons social housing accommodation, with onsite support. As part of this change, the service known as Sheltered Housing will now be referred to as Later Living.

The Council currently has over 700 homes for older residents across 26 schemes situated around the Borough. The purpose of these schemes is to enable tenants aged over 55 to maintain their independence and sense of community in secure, well-designed accommodation. Later Living can also greatly improve the quality of life for residents by promoting better physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and creating more inclusive communities.

The Council’s newest development will be the new Assheton Court in Portchester, with works expected to be completed in Autumn 2026. The previous scheme has now been demolished and is due to be replaced with a new purpose-built, 60-bed affordable housing development for the over 55s.

Cllr Fred Birkett, Executive Member for Housing, said: “Providing housing choices is a Council priority, so I am delighted that this new Later Living Strategy has been adopted. This document will enable us to deliver a high-quality service in a focussed way and provide older residents with a sense of community while maintaining their independence. The new Assheton Court in Portchester will provide an additional 60 much-needed affordable homes for older people, with new modern facilities and higher energy efficiency, so we’re all looking forward to the grand opening of that development later in 2026.”

To find out more about Later Living homes go to www.fareham.gov.uk/laterliving.

Eligibility criteria can be found using the Fareham Borough Council Allocations Policy. Residents can also email one of the Council’s Housing Assessment and Allocations Officers at housingoptionsvm@fareham.gov.uk or by calling 01329 236100.

ENDS